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cekkk's avatar
cekkk
Explorer
May 05, 2018

Solar Maintainers

For the nearly 10 years we have had a camper, I have either removed the battery or had it plugged into power during storage. Now for a period of time it will be in a storage lot. I have a new battery on the A-frame and would like to keep it charged. We have plenty of Sun here in the desert, but I need some advice on what type of solar maintainer will let me attach it to the battery and let me walk away for weeks at a time.

Additionally, this jayco's battery is practically buried on the back of the A-frame. Very difficult to access. Can I run a positive and negative lead out to this maintainer and leave it on at all times, whether the solar maintainer is attached or not? And would it be sufficient to wrap the end of the leads in electrical tape when not in use? Thanks.

6 Replies

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  • cekkk's avatar
    cekkk
    Explorer
    May 06, 2018
    Thanks, I'll shop a hundred against a portable. Our storage space is as safe as they come.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 06, 2018
    Hi,

    Solar maintainers work--but are far more expensive per watt than doing a 100 panel with a good charge controller.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    May 05, 2018
    No, electrical tape is not good for this.

    You need a solar controller that is intended for this kind of "battery tender" service.

    And you do not have to connect it directly to the battery; just to a point what is hot all the time.....and the negative to ground (chassis). There won't be a lot of current.

    If you need to run a new wire, get a pair of SAE "battery connectors" from an auto parts store.

    And finally......if you have the batteries fully charged and COMMPLETELY disconnected, they should sit fine for 90 days with no attention at all. If they won't, they probably need to be replaced anyway. If it gets really HOT where you are, 45 days might be a better benchmark.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 05, 2018
    Yes all that will work.

    Although for the effort I recommend about a 100 watt panel and a controller permanently mounted on the roof.

    Portable is fine too as long as it does not walk away in storage.

    I would use an insulated connector over twisting a couple wires and wrapping with tape.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2018
    My 25 watt/1.4 amp panel from somebody and twenty dollar weatherproof controller from WindyNation keeps my two T125s charged when my Winnie is covered.

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